Numerous herbs may be helpful for treating your kidney infection. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when bacteria from your bladder migrate up your urinary tract and infect your kidneys, causing back and flank pain, fever and pain when urinating. Before taking herbs to help treat your kidney infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Buchu
Buchu is an herb that may be effective for treating your kidney infection. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," buchu, also known as Barosma betulina, decreases inflammation in your urinary tract, stimulates urination and prevents the growth of microbes in your urinary tract. Buchu removes uric acid and soothes your pelvic nerves. Buchu, states Tilgner, may be most effective for treating painful urination, subacute or chronic irritation of your bladder and kidneys, stones in your urine, pelvic congestion, cystitis and urethritis. Any condition that causes subacute or chronic bladder and kidney inflammation, including kidney infections and irritable bladder, may benefit from buchu. Before taking buchu to help treat your kidney infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is an herb that may be beneficial for treating your kidney infection. Uva ursi is a trailing evergreen shrub that produces red berries and grows in alpine forests in numerous regions around the world, including North America, Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, Siberia and the Himalaya. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that uva ursi, also known as Arctostaphylos uva ursi or bearberry, has been used medicinally for centuries by Native Americans to treat infections of the urinary tract, including kidney infections. According to Tilgner, uva ursi is a urinary tract antiseptic, diuretic and stimulant of kidney function. Uva ursi also helps increase renal, or kidney, circulation. Tilgner notes that consumption of uva ursi may cause a green tinge in your urine. Before taking uva ursi to help treat your kidney infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Horsetail
Horsetail is an herb that may be beneficial for treating your kidney infection. Horsetail, a close relative of the fern, is a non-flowering weed that grows throughout parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, horsetail, also known as Equisetum arvense, is an herbal remedy that has been used since the ancient Romans and Greeks to treat numerous health problems, including bleeding, ulcers, wounds, tuberculosis and kidney problems. The above-ground parts of horsetail are used medicinally. Tilgner states that horsetail is a diuretic, astringent and styptic. Horsetail may be useful for urinary tract problems associated with bacterial infections or inflammatory disorders. Before taking horsetail to treat your kidney infection, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
